Q&A for How to Grow Beans and Peas

It totally depends on the variety of the bean. Some types, such as dwarf beans, may ready in 8 weeks, others can take as long as 20 weeks to reach the harvesting stage. If you are purchasing bean seeds, be sure to check how long they take on the packet.

No. The plants will find their own way towards the surface and thus grow directly upward towards the sunlight, as they have been doing naturally for millions of years.

Bean seeds will be killed if boiled. The dry seeds are the ones you want to plant.

Flowers. Try a book on basic gardening so you know what to expect.

it takes anywhere from 12 to 15 days to germinate kidney beans and anywhere from the time you planted them up until about 142 days more or less to harvest.

You should replace a new plant or pour gruel everyday. If you want to make gruel, just boil rice with the water.

As suggested in the article, give the plants supports. If you like, you can fix the support the day you plant the seed, then you don't have to worry.

It only takes a bit more than a week before it starts growing. After about 12 weeks you can start harvesting the first peas; they grow quite quickly.

You can cover your bean plants with a mesh net using a few hoops or stakes as the frame, greenhouse style. If you know what's eating them, you can also try and find a repellant spray to purchase.

Do not boil pea seeds before planting them. They won't germinate. Soaking in warm water for 12 hours is optional, but that still runs the risk of damaging seeds.

This could be common blight or a fungal issue. If possible, remove as much discolored foliage as you can. Try to water on the ground; don't get the leaves wet. Water in the morning so the sun evaporates any moisture that gets on the leaves.

A dark spot in your pantry could work. If your basement isn't damp or humid, that might be cool and dry, too.

Usually yes, but it depends on where you buy them. If there was any indication that the seeds were damaged, then don't try it. But if not, then it should be fine.

No. The flowers will turn into a beans, and if you pick them, the beans will not grow and you could damage the plant.

If they get hot, they may be infertile or "cooked" and won't grow. Don't heat seeds. Instead, store them in a cool dry place in a doubled Ziplock bag and in the refrigerator so they stay dormant until you need them to wake up and grow.

No, the do not like acidic soil. Sugar beans will have difficulty absorbing nutrients through their roots in acidic soils.

Usually, plant beans or peas in the late autumn or early winter. Expect a harvest in late spring or early summer.

It's great you like to let nature eat what it wants! Yes, birds will eat the bugs, and the squirrels and chipmunks will help you eat whatever leftover pods of beans you couldn't finish eating.